Carers in Cleethorpes will find it easier to get the support they need thanks to the expansion of a nationally recognised carers’ service.

The North East Lincolnshire Carers’ Support Service is growing and will now offer services from Taylors Avenue Medical Centre in Cleethorpes every Tuesday between 9am and 5pm from 24th June 2014.

Estimates suggest that around 16,000 people in North East Lincolnshire are carers; some carers are as young as eight years old and give personal, emotional or financial help to a friend or relative who has an illness, disability or substance misuse problem.

Despite the significant numbers of carers locally, many of them are believed to be missing out on the support services they’re entitled to including counselling, finance and benefits advice, befriending, support groups and holistic therapies.

May Tees, aged 70, is a carer for her husband Matt, aged 75. He was diagnosed with dementia in 2012.

“The carers’ centre offers a lot of support and it helps you realise that other people are in a similar position,” said May from Cleethorpes.

“My mother looked after my father for years and she had no support, but I know I can pick up the phone at any time and get the help I need. At the carers’ meetings other people offer solutions to problems you’re having so you come out feeling much better. Carers are also offered the chance to book in for a facial to have a break, which is really important.

“I can leave Matt on his own for a few hours now, but I know we’ve got a long way to go and it might not always be this way. Many of the other carers have to use public transport so a carers’ service at Cleethorpes is a good idea.”

Debbie Landymore, Practice Manager for Taylors Avenue Medical Centre, said it will make a big difference to the 290 registered carers at the practice.

“Carers in Cleethorpes will be able to drop in for advice and information in the morning or book in for a scheduled appointment in the afternoon, whatever suits them best. We’re also planning to set up a carers’ group for people who may wish to have a coffee and a chat with other carers.”

Helen Wilson, Deputy Chief Executive for the Carers’ Support Service, added: “Many people don’t consider themselves to be a carer because they’re helping someone they love, but we’re here to help take the pressure off; whether it’s to offer advice on carers benefits, counselling or just someone to talk to.”

The Carers’ Support Centre at 1 Town Square, Grimsby is open between 8am and 5pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, between 8am and 7pm on Thursday and 10am and 2pm on Saturday.

Alternatively contact the Carers’ Support Service on 01472 242277 between 5pm and 7pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, between 10am and 2pm on Sunday.

Or visit www.carerssupportcentre.com

ENDS

Visit our website www.northeastlincolnshireccg.nhs.uk and follow us on Twitter @NELincsCCG

Notes to editors:
1. North East Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group was shortlisted for two national awards for the level of carer involvement during the retender of the carers’ service.
2. NHS North East Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group was established in April 2013, following the Government’s health reforms, and is made up of 30 GP practices in Grimsby and Cleethorpes. The CCG is responsible for health and social care services for over 165,000 people in Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
3. NHS North East Lincolnshire CCG is the only CCG in the country to have responsibility for both NHS and Adult Social Care.
4. The CCG is made up of people who understand patients’ needs best, including doctors, nurses and health professionals from 30 GP member practices.
5. The CCG actively listens to local people and partners to decide what health services are needed for local people.